Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros
The 2024 season had all the ingredients for a championship run. The Philadelphia Phillies cruised to the top of the National League East, finishing with the second-best record in all of baseball. The team was primed for a deep postseason push after a strong regular season, but things unraveled in the NLDS. Despite finishing with the second-best regular season record, the Phillies were eliminated by the New York Mets in a frustrating 3-1 series loss.
Now, the front office is reassessing the roster and considering a major shakeup to avoid another early playoff exit in 2025. The most shocking of all rumors: the potential trade of All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm.
The Bohm Dilemma: Stellar Regular Season, Struggles in the Playoffs
Bohm was one of the standout players for the Phillies in 2024, earning his second All-Star nod after a career-best campaign. The 28-year-old slashed .280/.332/.448 with 44 doubles, 15 home runs, 97 RBIs, and a solid 3.0 WAR in 143 games. He played a pivotal role in the Phillies’ success during the regular season. But when the spotlight of October arrived, Bohm faltered.
In the NLDS against the Mets, Bohm struggled mightily, going just 1-for-13 at the plate. His postseason woes reached a breaking point when he was benched for Game 2 of the series, a sign that the Phillies’ management was not pleased with his performance on the biggest stage. The early exit and Bohm’s inability to step up in the postseason have prompted the Phillies to evaluate whether his future lies in Philadelphia.
Enter Alex Bregman: A Potential Upgrade at Third Base?
With Bohm’s future up in the air, one name that has surfaced as a possible replacement is Alex Bregman, the veteran third baseman for the Houston Astros. The rumors of a potential trade have been fueled by MLB insider Buster Olney on X (formerly Twitter), who suggests that Bregman could be a viable option for the Phillies if they decide to move on from Bohm.
Bregman, who will be 31 at the start of the 2025 season, may be older than Bohm, but his pedigree is hard to ignore. A two-time World Series champion with the Astros, Bregman brings invaluable postseason experience to the table—something the Phillies sorely need. He also possesses a swing that could thrive in Citizens Bank Park, with its short porch in left field and favorable hitting conditions. In 2024, Bregman posted a .260/.315/.453 slash line, with 30 doubles, 26 home runs, 75 RBIs, and 4.1 WAR in 145 games. While not as flashy as his peak years, he remains an extremely solid defender and a productive bat in the lineup.
While Bregman may not be as dynamic as the younger Bohm, his leadership, postseason chops, and steady production could make him a worthwhile addition for a Phillies team that’s ready to contend again. Of course, these discussions are still in the rumor stage, but the possibility of swapping Bohm for Bregman is one that fans and analysts alike are monitoring closely.
Phillies Target Free Agents for Key Upgrades
Regardless of the decision on Bohm, the Phillies are preparing for a busy offseason. According to sources, Philadelphia is eyeing an outfielder and a top-tier reliever to bolster the roster. The Phillies’ pitching staff was a strength during the first half of the season, but a shaky bullpen performance in the second half exposed some vulnerabilities. Adding a reliable, high-quality arm could help shore up the bullpen and provide more depth for the postseason.
The outfield position is also a focus, as the team looks to add another bat to complement their already potent lineup. With Trea Turner and Bryce Harper leading the charge, the Phillies could use another reliable outfielder to bolster their chances of making another deep run.
Manager Rob Thomson’s Future Secure, for Now
Despite the disappointing playoff exit, the Phillies’ front office made it clear that manager Rob Thomson remains firmly in control. The team extended Thomson’s contract by a year, locking him in through 2026. Thomson’s leadership helped guide the Phillies to a World Series appearance in 2022 and a NL Championship Series berth in 2023. His success in the regular season, especially in 2024, is a testament to his ability to manage a roster with championship aspirations.
The Phillies believe their struggles in the postseason were more about player performance than managerial mistakes. While the early exit stings, Thomson’s position as manager remains secure for now, as the organization evaluates how to best build a World Series contender.
The Bottom Line: Change Could Be Coming for the Phillies
The Phillies’ front office faces some tough decisions this offseason. Moving on from Alec Bohm, a young player who had a breakout season, would signal a significant shift in the team’s roster strategy. However, if the Phillies believe that Alex Bregman (or another proven veteran) can take them over the top in 2025, then pulling the trigger on a trade makes sense. The combination of adding experienced leadership, stabilizing the bullpen, and bolstering the outfield could be the key to helping Philadelphia reach its World Series dreams.
Whether Bohm stays or goes, one thing is clear: the Phillies aren’t resting on their laurels after a strong regular season. The NLDS exit left a bad taste, and they’re ready to make bold moves to ensure they’re better prepared when the stakes are at their highest next October.
Stay tuned—this offseason is shaping up to be one of the most fascinating in recent Phillies history.
